units . enlist ##ment and organisation was primarily regional ##ly based and was undertaken under mob ##ilis ##ation plans drawn up in 1912 . the first commander was major general william bridges , who also assumed command of the 1st division . throughout the course of the conflict australian efforts were predominantly focused upon the ground war , although small air and naval forces were also committed . = = = occupation of german new guinea = = = following the outbreak of war australian forces moved quickly to reduce the threat to shipping posed by the proximity of germany ' s pacific colonies . the australian naval and military expeditionary force ( an & me ##f ) , a 2000 @ - @ man volunteer force —
units. enlistment and organisation was primarily regionally based and was undertaken under mobilisation plans drawn up in 1912. the first commander was major general william bridges, who also assumed command of the 1st division. throughout the course of the conflict australian efforts were predominantly focused upon the ground war, although small air and naval forces were also committed. = = = occupation of german new guinea = = = following the outbreak of war australian forces moved quickly to reduce the threat to shipping posed by the proximity of germany's pacific colonies. the australian naval and military expeditionary force ( an & mef ), a 2000 @ - @ man volunteer force —